During the 81st UN General Assembly, which runs from September 22-28, 2026, Lebanon has called for peacekeepers to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This meeting marks the first since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The debate has concluded for the day and will resume on Monday.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul addressed the assembly, warning of the threats posed by artificial intelligence and emphasizing the need for urgent reforms within the UN. He criticized Russia for its actions in Ukraine, stating that the war targets innocent civilians and disrupts grain deliveries to vulnerable regions.
Wadephul described a recent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as intense, highlighting ongoing divisions between their nations regarding the conflict. Lavrov dismissed the meeting as unnecessary, asserting that no new information was presented.
In addition to discussions surrounding Ukraine, foreign ministers from India and Saudi Arabia called for de-escalation in the Middle East and the protection of maritime navigation. India's Minister for External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, urged restraint and emphasized the global impact of regional conflicts.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, condemned Iranian attacks and called for the restoration of the Strait of Hormuz's status prior to military operations initiated by the US and Israel. He also advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Lavrov, in his address, accused European nations of obstructing peace talks related to the Ukraine conflict and reiterated Russia's willingness to contribute to stability in the Gulf region.
The assembly continues to serve as a platform for addressing pressing global issues, with significant speeches expected from various leaders in the upcoming sessions.